Drivers warned to get ready for WEG traffic

Organizers for the World Equestrian Games say it will be important for people going to the games later this month to pay close attention to directional signage and police forces guiding traffic. "We have been planning for this event for four years. Now it’s almost time to put our plans into action,” stated Mayor Jim Newberry.

More than 115 roadway signs, including changeable message boards and directional signage, will be placed on regional interstates and roadways surrounding the park in mid-September. These signs will point spectators to appropriate exit ramps and parking entrances.Signage will be placed to route spectators to the Kentucky Horse Park on Interstates 64 and 75, on the Bluegrass Parkway, and on Nicholasville Road and New Circle Road in Lexington. Additional Games information will be available via local radio on AM 1620 as well as local television and newspaper outlets. “It is very important for spectators to follow the signed routes to the park, as the traffic plan may point you to a different route than you would normally take,” said Jamie Link, CEO of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. “The routes are designed to keep traffic flowing safely and efficiently into the on-site parking areas.”

Additionally, city and state police forces will be on hand to manage traffic flow and guide spectators into the appropriate parking entrances. “The Division of Police will be assigning officers for traffic control on Iron Works Pike. We will also be working closely with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Traffic Management Center to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow throughout the World Equestrian Games,” said Commander Mike Blanton, Lexington City Police. “To help us in our effort to reduce traffic volume in the area of the horse park, we encourage residents and commuters, not attending the games, to plan ahead and use different routes whenever possible to avoid Games traffic.”

Once inside, Games transportation officials will work to collect the $20 daily parking fee quickly to keep all vehicles flowing into parking spots. Spectators will be required to have cash only ready for payment. After parking, spectators will walk a maximum distance of less than eight city blocks to reach the entrance to the grounds.

Onsite parking is not the only transportation option to the 2010 Games. Many area hotels within the Games Housing Bureau will offer shuttle service for $10 advance purchase to Housing Bureau guests and $15 to all hotel guests during the event. Lex Tran public transit, cab services, and private sedan or limousine services are also available.

City officials also remind local commuters who utilize interstate exits near the Kentucky Horse Park to be mindful of event traffic from September 25 through October 10. Commuters are encouraged to use the Paris Pike and Winchester Road exits in lieu of the Newtown Pike exit on Interstate 75 to access downtown Lexington. “The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has worked closely with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, local and state law enforcement, and World Equestrian Games officials to develop a safe and effective traffic management plan,” said Dept. of Highways Chief Engineer James Ballinger. “We also encourage motorists to plan ahead and allow plenty of drive time when traveling to their destinations around Central Kentucky during the WEG events to help alleviate traffic congestion.”

For more information about transportation and traffic planning, visit www.alltechfeigames.com.

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